CHRIST CHURCH VENTURA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA

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1 The Celtic Cross is an ancient Christian symbol. The cross proper recalls the death of Christ for the sins of his people, while the circle is a historic symbol of God s eternal nature. Jesus name is at the center, depicted by the Greek letters and is surrounded by the vine and branches, representing our relationship to Him. At the bottom, CHRISTUS VICTOR, Christ is Victorious, testifies to his triumph over sin and death on the cross. This Celtic cross is used by permission of Saint Paul s Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Florida. Each of the five panels represents a significant event in Christ s life. Exalting Christ through Worship, Renewal, Community, and Partnership HIS REIGN The wounded lamb as Christ reclining on the book of seven seals is a historic symbol of the reigning Christ. The threerayed nimbus is an ancient symbol of deity. (Revelation 5:9-12) HIS RESURRECTION Lilies traditionally represent the resurrection; the trumpet heralds Christ s certain and triumphal return. (1 Corinthians 15:54; Matthew 24:31; Luke 12:27) HIS ATONEMENT The crown of thorns and nails testify to Christ s sacrificial death on the cross. (Hebrews 2:17; John 19:2; 20:27) HIS BAPTISM The dove and tongues of fire symbolically portray the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 3:11; Acts 2:3) HIS INCARNATION The open Bible is the Word of God. The double lighted candlesticks represent the dual nature of Christ his deity and his humanity. (John 1:1-14) CHRIST CHURCH VENTURA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA To all who are spiritually weary and seek rest; to all who mourn and long for comfort; to all who struggle and desire hope; to all who sin and need a Savior; to all who are strangers and yearn for home; to all who hunger and thirst after righteousness; and to whoever will come; this church offers a genuine welcome in the name of the risen Lord Jesus Christ.

2 WHAT IS OUR MESSAGE? The great good news is that God has taken it upon Himself to do something for us that we are powerless to do for ourselves. The Gospel is simply this: sinners are forgiven and accepted by God because of the work of Jesus Christ. Trust in Christ s finished work is not just the beginning of the Christian life, but the means and end as well. The Gospel is what must be applied more and more deeply in order to live as a Christian. The power of the Gospel is not merely about forgiveness and improvement, but renewal and wholeness. A GOSPEL-SHAPED MINISTRY WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? We embrace the historic Christian faith believing the timeless truths held in common by the church in all ages and places. We wholeheartedly affirm the classic doctrines defined by the Apostles, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds. The Trinity There is only one God eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Incarnation The person Jesus Christ is the only Son of God who is both fully God and fully human. The Gospel changes people Through the continual application of the Gospel we become more like Christ. The Atonement Jesus died on a cross and was raised from the dead in order to redeem us from our sins. The Gospel produces joy Grace frees us from both condemnation and self-righteousness to enjoy God fully. The Gospel defines community In union with Christ, we become God s sons and daughters His new people. The Gospel points outward The Gospel informs attitudes The Gospel removes barriers Grace disengages approval seeking, engenders authenticity, and curbs pride. As Christians, we desire the peace and well-being of our communities and cities. Reconciliation humbles us so that we may become agents to reconcile others. The Gospel renews culture All of life matters to God and we are to pursue all vocations with excellence. WHAT DO WE BELIEVE? The Gospel builds momentum Church planting is both the result of and means to fulfilling the great commission. We also embrace the Reformed Christian faith believing the biblical teachings that were restated during the Protestant Reformation. This great renewal of the church in the 16 th century has given us a common heritage in the classic solas. Scripture Alone The Bible is the one source of divine revelation and the only completely reliable guide for faith and life. Christ Alone Salvation is accomplished by the substitutionary atonement of the historical and sinless Christ alone. Grace Alone We are rescued from God s anger, freed from sin s bondage and lifted to new life by His grace alone. Faith Alone God Alone Christ s righteousness is imputed to us as the only possible satisfaction of God s justice by faith alone. The sole purpose of our creation and redemption is to enjoy God s presence and live for His glory.

3 CHRIST CHURCH VENTURA IS A CONGREGATION OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA Empowered by the Gospel, we aim to experience God s pleasure in fostering true knowledge, holy affection, and faithful obedience through historic worship, gospel renewal, genuine community, and global partnership to the end that God s people are gathered and Christ s Kingdom is extended throughout Ventura County and beyond. OFFICERS Teaching Elder Roy R. Bennett (ojairoyb@gmail.com) Ruling Elder David Sveiven (dsevend@yahoo.com) STAFF Chief Musician Tilford Jackson Office Manager Michele Sveiven CONTACT INFORMATION P.O. Box 25 Ojai, CA (805) WORSHIP LOCATION Trinity Lutheran Church 196 N. Ashwood Avenue in Ventura at 4:00pm ANNOUNCEMENTS CHILDREN S EDUCATION (ages 2-8) Sun. at 3:00pm (see Michele Sveiven) CCV MEN S GROUP Sunday at 3:00pm in TLC Library (see Skip Chapin) CCV WOMEN S BIBLE STUDY Book of Judges 2 nd & 4 th Wed. 6:30-8:30pm Meets in the TLC Library (see Wendy Larner) ADULT STUDY Westminster Confession of Faith 1 st & 3 rd Wed. 6:30-8:00pm Meets in the TLC Library (see Roy Bennett) VENTURA COUNTY RESCUE MISSION 1 st & 3 rd Tues. 6:45-7:45pm (see John Geb) All music reproduction is by permission CCLI# Order for the Celebration & Worship of God Fourth Sunday after Epiphany; February 1, 2015, 4:00pm * Congregation standing PRELUDE WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Pianist Tilford Jackson CALL TO WORSHIP Isaiah 51:1-4 INVITIATORY Minister: Your righteousness draws near and your my salvation calls out. People: We look to you, O Lord, and turn from earthly things. Minister: The heavens vanish and the earth will wear out like a garment. People: But the Lord s righteousness and redemption is forever. Minister: Fear not the reproaches of man, but rest in the Lord our God! * HYMN OF PRAISE (Music on page 2) We Come, to Christ, to You * PRAYER OF ADORATION Unison: Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth. Mercifully hear the supplications of your people and in our time grant us your peace through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. * AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Westminster Confession of Faith XXVI.1-3 Unison: All of God s People are united to Jesus Christ, their head, by his Spirit and faith, and have fellowship with him in his grace, suffering, death, resurrection, and glory. United to one another in love, God s people have fellowship in each other s gifts and grace and are obliged to perform those public and private duties which nourish their mutual good, both spiritually and physically. 1

4 WE COME, O CHRIST, TO YOU THE LOVE OF GOD The love of God is great far than tongue or pen can ever tell. It goes beyond the highest star and reaches to the lowest hell. The guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win; His erring child He reconciled and pardoned from his sin. When years of time shall pass away and earthly thrones and kingdoms fall, When men who here refuse to pray, on rocks and hills and mountains call, God s love so sure shall still endure, all measureless and strong: Redeeming grace to Adam s race the saints and angels song. Could we with ink the ocean fill and were the skies of parchment made, Were every stalk on earth a quill and every man a scribe by trade, To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry, Nor could the scroll contain the whole though stretched by sky to sky. O love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure, the saints and angels song. Frederick M. Lehman 2 19

5 JERUSALEM By their profession of faith God s people are bound to maintain a holy fellowship and communion with each other in the worship of God and in the performance of other spiritual services for their mutual improvement. They are also bound to help each other in material things according to their different abilities and needs. This fellowship is to be offered, as God gives the opportunity, to everyone in every place who calls on the name of the Lord Jesus. Minister: People: POSTLUDE Go in peace to love and serve the risen Lord Jesus. Thanks be to God! Pianist Tilford Jackson 18 This communion which the saints have with Christ in no way means that they share of his godhead or are equal with him in any respect, to affirm either is impious and blasphemous. Neither does their communion with each other take away or infringe the right each person has to his own goods and property. OLD TESTAMENT LESSON 1 Chronicles 29:1-18 (ESV) 1 And David the king said to all the assembly, Solomon my son, whom alone God has chosen, is young and inexperienced, and the work is great, for the palace will not be for man but for the LORD God. 2 So I have provided for the house of my God, so far as I was able, the gold for the things of gold, the silver for the things of silver, and the bronze for the things of bronze, the iron for the things of iron, and wood for the things of wood, besides great quantities of onyx and stones for setting, antimony, colored stones, all sorts of precious stones and marble. 3 Moreover, in addition to all that I have provided for the holy house, I have a treasure of my own of gold and silver, and because of my devotion to the house of my God I give it to the house of my God: 4 3,000 talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and 7,000 talents of refined silver, for overlaying the walls of the house, 5 and for all the work to be done by craftsmen, gold for the things of gold and silver for the things of silver. Who then will offer willingly, consecrating himself today to the LORD? 6 Then the leaders of fathers houses made their freewill offerings, as did also the leaders of the tribes, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and the officers over the king s work. 7 They gave for the service of the house of God 5,000 talents and 10,000 darics of gold, 10,000 talents of silver, 18,000 talents of bronze and 100,000 talents of iron. 8 And whoever had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the house of the LORD, in the care of Jehiel the Gershonite. 3

6 9 Then the people rejoiced because they had given willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly. 10 Therefore David blessed the LORD in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: Blessed are you, O LORD, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. 11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. 13 And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. 14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. 15 For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding. 16 O LORD our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy Name comes from your hand and is all your own. 17 I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you. 18 O LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep forever such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts toward you. * PRAYER OF COMMITMENT Unison: Almighty God, you have guaranteed to us your rich mercy and immeasurable goodness in this sacred communion. Grant the gracious assistance of your Holy Spirit to enable us to live in Christ Jesus as we have received him. So inhabit our affections that our manner of life may adorn the gospel and that no man may take our joy, confidence, and hope. Send us with your salvation and joy into all the world, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. * BENEDICTION Numbers 6:24-26 (ESV) The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up the light of His countenance upon you And give you peace. * DISMISSAL HYMN (Music on page 18) Jerusalem Minister: People: The Word of the Lord! Thanks be to God! PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE (Everyone is invited and encouraged to participate by praying the words in italics and then by directing their own personal prayers toward each of the petitions.) Unison: Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers which we offer before you for families, all members of your holy Church, and those in authority among the nations of the earth, that in their vocation and ministry, they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. 4 17

7 HOW SWEET THE NAME OF JESUS SOUNDS Minister: Unison: Minister: Unison: Minister: Unison: Minister: Unison: Let us pray for those ministers and missionaries we know and love, for leaders, teachers and all lay workers, and for all Christians in this community that God will confirm his Church in faith and truth, increase it in love and preserve it in peace. Lord, hear our prayers We pray for marriages, families and all relationships; for faithfulness to marriage vows among members of our church, for husbands and fathers in their several callings as leaders, protectors, servants and priests in their homes, for wives and mothers as they nurture their families in the love of Christ. Lord, hear our prayers We pray for our children and their children after them that through them the gospel and righteousness may prosper, for single parents and their children, and for those who live alone that order, beauty, peace and integrity may increase and prevail. Lord, hear our prayers Let us pray for God to kindle in every heart the true love of peace and guide with his wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility his dominion may increase until the earth is filled with the knowledge of his love. Lord, hear our prayers THE LORD S PRAYER Matthew 6:9-13 Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. * HYMN OF GRACE (Music on page 6) Let Thy Blood in Mercy Poured 16 5

8 LET THY BLOOD IN MERCY POURED TASTE AND SEE continued 6 15

9 TASTE AND SEE THE GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 25:14-30 (ESV) 14 For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master s money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more. 21 His master said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master. 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more. 23 His master said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master. 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours. 26 But his master answered him, You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sowed and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Reader: People: The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ! Thanks be to the Lord! 14 * PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION 7

10 SERMON Reverend Roy R. Bennett Stewardship and Service AGNUS DEI PASTORAL PRAYER OFFERTORY * DOXOLOGY * PRAYER OF DEDICATION WORD OF EXHORTATION James 4:2-4 (ESV) Minister: You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? 8 13

11 PRAYER OF APPROACH Unison: We do not presume to come to this your table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in your great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under your table. But you are the same Lord, whose nature is always to have mercy; grant us therefore, gracious Lord, that we may so partake of this bread and wine that our sinful bodies may be made clean by Christ s body, and our souls washed through his most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen. SERMON NOTES AGNUS DEI (Music on page 13) John 1:29 David Haas 1990 THE LORD'S SUPPER Minister: Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. People: Therefore, let us keep the feast! Minister: The gifts of God for the people of God. People: Thanks be to the Lord! (People are encouraged to come forward to receive the sacrament and to repent and rejoice as the sacrament is observed. The wafer is to be dipped into the wine.) (Please leave room at the right hand rail for our musicians to receive the Lord s Supper first, before they return to lead our congregational communion songs.) COMMUNION HYMN (Music on page 14 & 15) Taste and See James E. Moore 1983 COMMUNION HYMN (Music on page 16) How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds John Newton

12 CONFESSION OF SIN Unison: O Lord God, you create life and wisely oversee all affairs. We come to you in the all prevailing name of Jesus with no worthiness, merit, or works of our own to plead, but with the cry of the tax collector, Be merciful to me, a sinner. We have strayed often from your ways, opposing your authority, and abusing your goodness. Remove our guilt, renew our hearts, restore our joy. Subdue in us the love of sin and give us grace that we may not be careless with your favor and glory. Amen. SANCTUS ASSURANCE OF PARDON James 4:5-8 (ESV) Minister: Do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us? But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. THE GREAT THANKSGIVING Minister: The Lord be with you! People: And also with you! Minister: Lift up your hearts! People: We lift them up to the Lord! Minister: Let us give thanks to the Lord! People: It is good and right so to do. Minister: It is right, and a good and joyful thing, that we should always give you thanks, O Lord; therefore, with the angels, we exalt and magnify your glorious name, evermore praising you and singing, SANCTUS (Music on page 11 Isaiah 6:3; Psalm 118:26 PRAYER OF CONSECRATION WORDS OF INSTITUTION 1 Corinthians 11: